In A Disaster: Be Prepared For Bioterrorism

During National Preparedness Month, the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department remind you...

Unlike an explosion, a biological attack may or may not be immediately obvious. At first, health care workers might report a pattern of unusual illness or a wave of sick people seeking medical attention.

Understand that some biological agents, such as anthrax, do not cause contagious diseases. Others, like the smallpox virus, can result in diseases you can catch from other people.

In the event of a biological attack, it will take time to determine exactly what the illness is, how it should be treated and who may have been exposed. You should monitor radio and television news and check official websites.

Seek to clearly understand:

• Are you in the group or area authorities believe may have been exposed?


• What are the signs and symptoms of the disease?


• Are medications or vaccines being distributed?


• Where? Who should get them and how?


• Where should you seek emergency medical care if you become sick?

During a declared biological emergency:

• If a family member becomes sick, it is important to be suspicious.


• Do not assume, however, that you should go to a hospital emergency room or that any illness is the result of the biological attack. Symptoms of many common illnesses may overlap.


• Use common sense, practice good hygiene and cleanliness to avoid spreading germs, and seek medical advice.


• Consider if you are in the group or area authorities believe to be in danger.


• If your symptoms match those described and you are in the group considered at risk, immediately seek emergency medical attention.

If you are potentially exposed:

• Follow instructions of doctors and other public health officials.


• If the disease is contagious expect to receive medical evaluation and treatment.


• You may be advised to stay away from others or even deliberately quarantined.


• For non-contagious diseases, expect to receive medical evaluation and treatment.

If you become aware of an unusual and suspicious substance nearby:

• Quickly get away.


• Protect yourself. Cover your mouth and nose with layers of fabric that can filter the air but still allow breathing. Examples include two to three layers of cotton such as a t-shirt, handkerchief or towel. Otherwise, several layers of tissue or paper towels may help during your quick escape.


• Wash with soap and water.


• Contact authorities.


• Monitor local radio and television news and check official websites. Avoid speculation. Closely follow the instructions of public safety and health officials.


• If you become sick, seek emergency medical attention.

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

In A Disaster: Explosions and Fire

During National Preparedness Month, the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department suggest...

If There Is An Explosion:

• Take immediate shelter against your desk, sturdy table or furnishings.


• Stay away from things that may shatter or fall.


• Beware of secondary explosion or collateral danger.


• Exit the building safely yet promptly.


• Do not use elevators.


• Check for fire and other hazards.


• Take your emergency supply kit if time allows.

If There is a Fire:

• Exit the building immediately, sounding the alarm along the way.


• If there is smoke, crawl under the smoke to the nearest exit and use a cloth, if possible, to cover your nose and mouth.


• Use the back of your hand to feel the upper, lower, and middle parts of closed doors.


• If the door is not hot, brace yourself against it and open slowly.


• If the door is hot, do not open it. Look for another way out.


• Do not use elevators.


• GET OUT and STAY OUT. Never go back into a burning building.


• If your clothes catch on fire, stop-drop-and-roll to put out the fire. Do not run.


• Go to your previously designated outside meeting place. Account for your family members or coworkers. Supervise small children and assist those in need.


• Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number.

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

In A Disaster: Consider Airborne Hazards

During National Preparedness Month, the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department remind you...

When there is concern about potential exposure to a chemical or other airborne hazard, local officials may advise you to "shelter-in-place" and "seal the room".

This is different from taking shelter on the lowest level of your home in case of a natural disaster like a tornado. If you believe the air may be badly contaminated or if you are instructed by local officials, consider the instructions below to create a temporary barrier between you and the contaminated air outside.

To shelter-in-place and seal-the-room:

• Close and lock all windows and exterior doors.


• Turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems.


• Close the fireplace damper.


• Get your disaster supplies kit and turn on your battery-powered radio.


• Go to an interior room that is above ground level and without windows, if possible. In the case of a chemical threat, an above-ground location is preferable because some chemicals are heavier than air and may seep into basements even if the windows are closed.


• If directed by local authorities on the radio, use duct tape to seal all cracks around the door and any vents into the room. Tape plastic sheeting, such as heavy-duty plastic garbage bags, over any windows.


• Listen to your radio or television for further instructions. Local officials will tell you when you can leave the room in which you are sheltering, or they may call for evacuation in specific areas at greatest risk in your community.

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

In A Disaster: Even Shallow Water Can Be Deadly

During National Preparedness Month, the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department remind you...

Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters in terms of human hardship and economic loss. As much as 90 percent of the damage related to all natural disasters (excluding draught) is caused by floods and associated debris flow.

Most communities in the United States can experience some kind of flooding. Melting snow can combine with rain in the winter and early spring; severe thunderstorms can bring heavy rain in the spring or summer; or hurricanes can bring intense rainfall to coastal and inland states in the summer and fall.

Regardless of how a flood occurs, the rule for being safe is simple: head for higher ground and stay away from floodwater. Even a shallow depth of fast-moving floodwater produces more force than most people imagine.

You can protect yourself by being prepared and having time to act. Local radio or television stations or a NOAA Weather Radio are the best sources of information in a flood situation.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

In A Disaster: Will You Shake, Rattle and Roll?

During National Preparedness Month, the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department remind you...

Earthquakes are a risk in many parts of the United States, including California. More common than earthquakes though, are the myths that surround them. You can learn the facts about earthquakes and how to protect your family by visiting:

www.earthquakecountry.info


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

In A Disaster: What Will Be Your Financial Future?

During National Preparedness Month, the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department remind you...

A disaster can cause significant financial loss. Your apartment or home may be severely damaged or destroyed. You could be forced to live in temporary housing. Income might be cut off or significantly reduced. Important financial records could be destroyed. Take time now to assess your situation and ask questions of trusted and credentialed financial advisers, such as your insurance agent and banker.

Consider using the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK), a tool developed by Operation Hope, FEMA and Citizen Corps - or contact your local Red Cross chapter for Disasters and Financial Planning: A Guide for Preparedness.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

In A Disaster: Shelter-in-Place or Evacuate?

During National Preparedness Month, the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department ask you to...

Understand that during an emergency you may be asked to shelter-in-place or evacuate. Plan for both possibilities and prepare those in your household and workplace to listen for instructions from local public safety officials. In fact, now would be a good time to pre-set local news stations on every car, home and personal radio.

In Los Angeles, the following news-oriented radio stations routinely conduct live interviews with public safety officials:

• AM 980 - KFWB
• AM 1070 - KNX

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

In A Disaster: Know How to Turn Off Utilities

During National Preparedness Month, the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department remind you...

In some emergencies you may be required to turn off your utilities. You need to be able to:

• Locate the electric, gas and water shut-off valves.


• Keep necessary tools near gas and water shut-off valves.


• Teach adult family members how to turn off utilities.

NOTE: If you turn off a natural gas supply, a professional must turn it back on. Do not attempt to do this yourself!


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

In A Disaster: Treat Contaminated Water

During National Preparedness Month, the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department remind you...

When water is of questionable purity, it is easiest to use bottled water for drinking and cooking. When it's not available, it is important to know how to treat contaminated water.

In addition to having a bad odor and taste, water from questionable sources may be contaminated by a variety of microorganisms - including bacteria and parasites that cause diseases such as dysentery, cholera, typhoid and hepatitis. All water of uncertain purity should be treated before use.

We suggest you use one or a combination of these treatments:

• Filter: Filter the water using a piece of cloth or coffee filter to remove solid particles.


• Boil: Bring water to a rolling boil for at least five full minutes at sea level. Add one minute for each 1,000 feet altitude. Double the boiling time if the water is cloudy.


• Chlorinate:


• Add 8 drops (1/16 teaspoon) of unscented liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water. Double the amount of bleach if the water is cloudy. Stir to mix. Sodium hypochlorite of the concentration of 5.25% to 6% should be the only active ingredient in the bleach. There should not be any added soap or fragrances. A major bleach manufacturer has also added Sodium Hydroxide as an active ingredient, which they state does not pose a health risk for water treatment.


• Let stand 30 minutes.


• If it smells lightly of chlorine, you can use it. If it does not smell of chlorine, discard it and find another source of water.

Flood water can be contaminated by toxic chemicals. Do NOT try to treat flood water.

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

In A Disaster: Knowledge is Power

During National Preparedness Month, the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department ask you to visit these websites...

• Allstate Foundation & LAFD: You Can Prepare!


• American Red Cross - Get Prepared


• California - Be Ready!


• CDC - Emergency Preparedness and Response


• CERT - Community Emergency Response Teams


• CERT - LA


• Citizen Guide To Disaster Preparedness


• City of Los Angeles - Emergency Preparedness Department


• Dare To Prepare


• DisasterHelp.gov


• Earthquake Country


• Emergency Preparedness for People With Disabilities


• FEMA For Kids


• L.A. County Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response


• LAFD - Emergency Preparedness Booklet


• Preparedness Today - What You Need To Do!


• Ready.gov


• ReadyLA.org


• ReallyReady.org

During a disaster, internet and telephone access may be disrupted. Now is the time to print important information and place a copy with your disaster supplies.

Do you have a favorite non-commercial disaster preparedness site we missed? Please include yours in our comments, and we'll seek to share them!

In A Disaster: Knowledge Is Power!


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

In A Disaster: Do You Know How To Use 9-1-1?

During National Preparedness Month, the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department ask you to...

Teach children how to dial 9-1-1 for emergency help. Review emergency action steps with all family members. Remind them that 9-1-1 is for requesting immediate emergency response and not for asking questions or seeking advice.

When summoning help...

• Check the scene to make sure you and the victim remain safe.


• If you call 9-1-1, speak clearly and calmly. Answer all of the dispatcher's questions.


• When asked, be prepared to offer the phone number you are calling from and the exact address and location of the emergency.


• Remain calm and stay on the phone until you've fully answered each of the 9-1-1 dispatcher's questions and they say it's OK to end the call.


• Care for any victim in accordance to your formal training or the 9-1-1 dispatcher's instructions.


• After calling 9-1-1, stay off the phone while help is on the way. The dispatcher may need to call you with additional information or seek help in guiding emergency responders.

In a disaster, local responders and 9-1-1 dispatchers may be overhelmed and unable to assist you. That's why it is essential for you and your family to be prepared!

You can assist children in understanding and preparing for emergencies by visiting ready.gov/kids, or downloading the American Red Cross 'Masters of Disaster' Coloring Book and other materials for all ages at: redcross.org/disaster/masters


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

In A Disaster: Have a Car Kit

During National Preparedness Month, the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department remind you to...

Keep a smaller version of your emergency supply kit in your vehicle, in case you are commuting or traveling when disaster strikes.

Emergency Kit For Your Vehicle

• Bottled water and non-perishable high energy foods, such as granola bars, raisins and peanut butter


• Flashlight and extra batteries


• Blanket


• Booster cables


• Fire extinguisher (A-B-C type)


• First aid kit and manual


• Maps


• Shovel


• Tire repair kit and pump


• Flares or other emergency marking devices

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

In A Disaster: What Will You Wear?

During National Preparedness Month, the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department ask you to...

Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person in your emergency supply kit. We suggest long pants and long sleeves for additional protection after a disaster.

• Clothing and Bedding


• Sturdy shoes or work boots*


• Rain gear*


• Blankets or sleeping bags*


• Hat and gloves*


• Thermal underwear


• Sunglasses

* Indicates an Essential Item


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

In A Disaster: Be Prepared For Sanitation

During National Preparedness Month, the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department remind you to prepare for...

Sanitation

• Toilet paper, towelettes*


• Soap, liquid detergent*


• Feminine supplies*


• Personal hygiene items*


• Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)*


• Plastic bucket with tight lid


• Disinfectant


• Household chlorine bleach

* Indicates an Essential Item

...to be continued tomorrow!


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

In A Disaster: What's in YOUR Kit?

During National Preparedness Month, the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department remind you...

One of the easiest ways you can prepare for emergencies is to keep some supplies readily available. Every kit is unique and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of your family. Below is a general list of supplies you may want to consider:

Tools and Supplies

• Mess kits, or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils


• Emergency preparedness manual and a copy of your disaster plan, including your emergency contacts list


• Battery-operated radio and extra batteries*


• Flashlight and extra batteries*


• Cash or traveler's checks, change*


• Non-electric can opener, utility knife*


• Fire Extinguisher: small ABC type stored near where fires are likely to occur such as a kitchen, or near a fireplace. It should not be kept in the disaster supplies kit*


• Tube tent


• Duct Tape*


• Compass


• Matches in a waterproof container


• Aluminum foil


• Plastic storage containers


• Signal flare


• Paper, pencil*


• Needles, thread


• Medicine dropper


• Shut-off wrench or pliers, to turn off household gas and water


• Whistle*


• Plastic sheeting*


• Map of the area (for locating shelters and evacuation routes)

* Indicates an Essential Item

...to be continued tomorrow!


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

In A Disaster: Water, Water Anywhere?

During National Preparedness Month, the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department remind you to...

Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person. Store a minimum of one gallon of water per person per day (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for food preparation and sanitation).

Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments and strenuous activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers and people who are sick will also need more.

To learn more about surviving a disaster and keeping your drinking water safe, download the LAFD's free 40-page Emergency Preparedness Booklet at lafd.org/eqbook.pdf


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

In A Disaster: First Aid

During National Preparedness Month, the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department ask you to...

Take a minute to check your family's first aid kit and note any depleted items - then, add them to your shopping list. Don't have a first aid kit? Add that to the list or build a kit yourself.

Just add the following items to your shopping list and assemble a first aid kit and consider creating a kit for each vehicle as well:

First Aid Kit

• (20) adhesive bandages, various sizes


• (1) 5" x 9" sterile dressing


• (1) conforming roller gauze bandage


• (2) triangular bandages


• (2) 3 x 3 sterile gauze pads


• (2) 4 x 4 sterile gauze pads


• (1) roll 3" cohesive bandage


• (2) germicidal hand wipes or waterless alcohol-based hand sanitizer


• (6) antiseptic wipes


• (2) pair large medical grade


• non-latex gloves


• Adhesive tape, 2" width


• Anti-bacterial ointment


• Instant Cold pack


• Scissors (small, personal)


• Tweezers


• CPR breathing barrier, such as a face shield


• First Aid Manual


• Non-Prescription and Prescription Drugs


• Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever


• Anti-diarrhea medication


• Antacid (for stomach upset)


• Syrup of Ipecac (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)


• Laxative


• Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)


• Prescription drugs, as recommended by your physician, and copies of the prescriptions in case they need to be replaced

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

In A Disaster: Think Food

During National Preparedness Month, the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department remind you...

Preparing for emergencies needn't be expensive if you're thinking ahead and buying small quantities at a time.

Make a list of some foods that:

• Have a long shelf-life and will not spoil (non-perishable)


• You and your family like


• Do not require cooking


• Can be easily stored


• Have a low salt content as salty foods will make you more thirsty

Keep the list in your purse or wallet and pick up a few items each time you're shopping and/or see a sale until you have built up a well-stocked supply that can sustain each member of your family for at least three days following an emergency.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

LAFD: You Can't Predict... But You Can Prepare!

During National Preparedness Month, your Los Angeles Fire Department and the Allstate Foundation have teamed up with Universal Studios and 'Home Improvement' actor Richard Karn - with a little help from a clued-in Antenna Ball, to remind you about disaster preparedness.

Video: You Can't Predict... But You Can Prepare!


During September, we're offering daily preparedness tips to help you and your loved ones stay safe. Firefighters encourage you to learn more about preparing for emergencies by visiting your Neighborhood Fire Station or LAFD.ORG


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

In A Disaster: You Need A Kit

During National Preparedness Month, the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department ask you to...

Keep enough supplies in your home to meet the needs of you and your family for at least three days. Build an emergency supply kit to take with you in an evacuation.

The basics to stock in your portable kit include: water, food, battery-powered radio and flashlight with extra batteries, first aid supplies, change of clothing, blanket or sleeping bag, wrench or pliers, whistle, dust mask, plastic sheeting and duct tape, trash bags, map, a manual can opener for canned food and special items for pets, infants, seniors, the sick or people with disabilities.

Keep these items in an easy to carry container such as a covered trash container, a large backpack or a duffle bag. Visit www.ready.gov for more information about what to include in your kit.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department